Best Zero Turn Lawn Mower Reviews 2018 – Top 10 Compared

If you’ve been looking for a something that can mow the grass just right, without any hiccups, you might want to take a look at zero turn mowers. A zero turn mower has a zero-degree-turn radius and can turn inside its own footprint, driving much faster than a similar conventional riding mower. Most often, the operator manuals state that these mowers should not be operated at slopes greater than ten degrees.

Commonly used by professional landscape contractors, it fits well into homeowner budgets too. And for anybody in fact who loves to tend to gardens, it is a delight to use. If you’re using a zero turn lawn mower for the first time though, it is a good idea to test drive it first.

This type of mower helps to give a very close cut around all the obstacles in the grass. Pivoting through 180 degrees, the mowers do not leave any uncut grass. Finding the best mower in the market will help you get a good quality and durable product. If you are searching for the best zero turn mower but are confused about the same, this article will help. We will take into consideration all the aspects of a good zero-turn mower while giving you a review of some of the best ones available today.

Benefits – Why Should You Use One?

One of the major benefits of using this machine is that helps save a lot of time and reduces cut back mowing time by more than 70 per cent. Being easy to handle and constantly in action, these machines are highly maneuverable, and the user can cut closely around flowerbeds, bushes and other similar obstacles. It does away with the need to use weed whackers to trim separately, thereby saving more time!

We will now discuss the major factors that need to be kept in mind when buying a zero turn mower that will help you decide which one would best suit your needs and requirements. This will make sure that you purchase the best mower available in the market that not only solves your purpose but also provides full value for money.

Durability

The frame must be sturdy and so should the construction of the deck as these two factors will help decide the machine’s durability. Also, check the product’s specifications for the design and dimension of the steel frame, the steel’s gauge and the manner in which the rear-mounted engine is protected as these too reveal the durable nature of the machine.

Construction of deck

The commercial mowers have several pieced decks of welded heavy-gauge steel while the residential ones have lighter-gauge steel decks stamped together. The mower must also have small wheels that will help raise the deck over uneven platforms and prevent the lawn from getting scalped or cut too short.

Design of the Engine

You must opt for a twin-cylinder OHV engine instead of a single one as these run quite smoothly with less vibration and are more powerful.

Pricing

Most zero turn mowers come in at the high end price ranges for the residential ones, and the price goes up a little more for the commercial ones. The higher the range of a mower is, the more features will it offer and the more durable it will be. It is better to pay a little more at the time of purchase and get a mower with great features.

Comfort

The seat should be comfortable to sit on, and the back support is a must to give your back rest as you work. The control panel should be easy to reach and see from the seat and should be all on the same side. Also, check if the manufacturer sells and makes all accessories required.

Cutting height should be adjustable

A good zero turn mower’s cutting height should be quick and easy to adjust. Along with the hand lever, a foot assist offers extra leverage and allows the deck to be quickly raised for shorter durations.

User-friendly

Buying a mower that allows you to adjust the mowing speed accordingly to your control and comfort level helps improve the result. The ‘high mode’ offers maximum speed for mowing open and flat spaces while the ‘low mode’ increases maneuverability when cutting over tight spaces, allowing you to accomplish most of the work that a hand trimmer will do.

Wider tire

A mower that has wider tires helps distribute its weight over a larger area, runs smoothly and provides better traction. 4-ply-rated tires are the best.

Top 10 Zero Turn Mower Reviews List

Here is a look at some of the best zero turn mowers today that you can choose from, there are quite a few different brands out there.

1. Poulan Pro P46ZX

This mower is the perfect definition of style and performance. It comes with a 22HP Briggs V-twin endurance engine that comes with air filtration, super finished bearing surfaces, chrome plated valves and a huge cooling fan. The 46-inch reinforced stamped cutting deck draws in air from top and bottom improving grass lift and giving a perfect cut.

There are four anti-scalp rollers and an electric clutch for easy blade engagement. If you’re looking for power, there is the dual Hydro-Gear EZT transmission. For safety, there is an anti-slip foot area and a bumper with headlights. There is also a rear engine guard and an automatic park brake system. The deck lift system and ergonomic control panel can be easily accessed by the operator.

2. Husqvarna MZ61 27 HP

Another performance-packed mower from Husqvarna, this mower takes comfort and productivity to a new level altogether and is a popular choice due to the 61” fabricated cutting deck and a 27HP B&S Endurance V-Twin engine. Its commercial rated hydraulic gear transmission system, pedal assisted cutting deck lift, three blade cutting system, intuitive operator interface and a heavy-duty steel frame offer superior results each time the machine is put to use.

It makes lawn maintenance an easy job while the rugged fabricated steel deck cuts grass with perfection. It makes the operator feel comfortable and relaxed during work due to the ergonomic steering levers and a high back seat with armrests.

3. Husqvarna 967271701

Being known for its compact size and shape, this mower is the epitome of high performance resulting in a beautiful and professional-looking lawn. This mower is known for its rugged steel tube frame, high-performance cutting deck, maintenance free drive and transmission system, simple controls that offer smooth operation and a comfortable vinyl seat.

The key features of this machine are a 54” stamped cutting deck, and a 23 HP Kawasaki engine. The Air Induction Mowing Technology keeps air circulating from top to bottom ensuring a clean and even cut each time. There is a good 3-gallon gas tank that can ensure that you do not have to feed your mower for a long time.

4. Troy-Bilt Mustang

This mower is known for giving the ultimate performance with B&S Intek Tin Cylinder Engine, which comes with a dual hydrostatic transmission and an added oil filter. The four deck gauge wheels and a rear roller account for added efficiency. One can conveniently use this machine with the fuel site gauge and floating front axle and get a well manicured and professional-looking lawn with the 54” dual deck wash.

The control panels are conveniently located and can be accessed by the operator easily while the ergonomic design and the foot assisted deck lift make the job swifter and allow movement over obstacles with ease.

5. Max Zoom Kohler 7000 Series Pro

Offering commercial-grade performance and power, this mower is known for giving a superior cut and high productivity. The Pro V-Twin-cylinder engine offers extra protections with a large filtration package while the twin ZT-3100 hydrostatic transaxles deliver great power and control to the user.

This machine uses less cutting time and fewer passes due to the 60” triple blade cutting deck. Added features included 10-gauge fabricated and welded steel deck. You can drive the mower up to 8 MPH forward and to 4 MPH reverse. There is a fully-welded steel frame, foot-operated deck lift and an adjustable sliding high back seat with armrests for safety and comfort. The control arms come with vibration isolators and are fully adjustable. A 6-gallon fuel capacity reduces repeated refueling.

6. Troy-Bilt WC33 420cc

Boasting of a 420cc OHV professional engine, this mower is just what you need to cut and trim your lawn grass giving it a professional look. Features such a 33” cutting width, dual hydro-gear EZT drive system and a 3-blade electric clutch blade engagement deliver high power and performance and ensure that the operator can deliver precise and perfect cuts even over obstacles. The cutting deck has 8 settings you can choose from ranging from 1.25″-3.5″ and can be adjusted with just a single lever.

The WC33 has 8″ front casters with ball bearings and 16″ pneumatic wheels are extremely sturdy and are built to last you a very long time. Unlike the other mowers on our list though, this zero turn mower is not a riding model so if your land is large, this isn’t the mower for you. But for those with small or medium sized lawns, this would be the perfect choice as it doesn’t require a lot of storage space.

7. Husqvarna 967334101 MZ54S

Another brilliant model by Husqvarna, this mower comes with a 25 HP reliable Endurance commercial engine with cyclonic air filtration for a smooth and powerful performance. The 54” reinforced stamped twin cutting deck with heavy flat-stock steel is quite durable and strong. Added features include an electric clutch for easy blade engagement, and a dual hydro-gear EZT transmission. There is a robust frame to back up the machine, and the conveniently-located deck lift system ensures that mowing is real easy.

The ergonomic control panel, the anti-slip foot area, and land ED headlights on bumper make for easy controls. There is also an automatic park brake system, and a rear engine guard; all of which make lawn maintenance a breeze instead of a tiring job.

8. Swisher ZTR2454BS Response 24HP 54” B&S ZTR

This stylish and high-performance mower from Swisher boasts of a new rapid response control system for better control and comfort and a 24HP Professional Series Briggs & Stratton engine which helps shape a professional-looking and manicured lawn.

The 54” cutting deck with three gator mulching blades, hydro gear 2800 transmissions, Ogura clutch and a heavy duty welded steel frame are some of its key features. The mower deck can be easily raised with the foot assisted deck lift. Added features are composite fenders with storage, cup holder and battery compartment, full engine wrap, 12-volt adaptor, front and rear hitch and a full engine wrap. The safety features and the cup holder does make this a user friendly mower choice for you.

9. Swisher ZT2760B

This mower by Swisher allows the user to turn the machine a full 360 degrees along with exceptional maneuverability. You get better control and comfort with the rapid response control system, and the lawn looks manicured and professional with every use.

The key features of this mower are a 27 HP Briggs & Stratton Extended Life Series V-Twin electric start engine, heavy-duty welded steel frame, Hydro Gear 2800 transmission and Ogura clutch, 60 inch 11-gauge fabricated cutting deck equipped with three gator mulching blades and a foot assisted deck lift for raising the mower deck easily. It has a fuel capacity of 8 gallons and can run a maximum of 6 MPH, both forward and reverse. You really do not need to go more than 6 MPH forward anyways, and so this is a pretty standard choice.

10. Husqvarna M-ZT61

The last product on our list is the Husqvarna M-ZT61 zero turn mower. This machine features a Briggs and Stratton Endurance Commercial 27HP engine, an intuitive operator interface,and a commercial rated hydraulic system. Its cutting width is 61 inches and the 3 blades are housed in a heavy duty steel frame.

Like most of the other mowers on our list, this model comes with steering levers instead of a steering wheel. Each bar is connected to a front wheel which which allows operators maximum maneuverability. It also features a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) which is foldable and can be adjusted when needed. The seats and high backrest provides the right amount of support and comfort to ensure that the operator is comfortable despite spending long hours mowing.

The M-ZT61 can cover 5 acres of land per hour and has a max speed of 10MPH. While the price on this baby can be a little steep for the average homeowner, it’s definitely worth the investment especially if you have a big property.

Summary

So, which is the best zero turn mower for the money? Go through the top zero turn mower reviews and look at what each of them have to offer. You will know which machine best suits your needs and is available well within your budget. With each of the mowers offering high-performance and their own set of great features, you should analyze the price at which you are getting the machine and compare them all to see which one offers value for money.

We would advise you to test one or more of the mowers if your friends and family members own them. This will help you judge which mower works well in your lawn and overcomes the specific obstacles placed in it. Talk to friends and relatives who own such mowers and get genuine and correct feedback on the different machines.

Read the reviews and decide the factors that you want to base your purchase on; you will have a fairly good idea about zero turn mowers and be able to buy confidently the one that makes your lawn look beautiful and manicured all year round.

I’ve owned Cub Cadets in the past and have to say “I’m NOT impressed.” Costly repairs each year are driving me towards other mowers. When my CC was up and running, it did a nice job. But it seemed as though I spent more time fixing the deck and blade drives more than anything. The splines for the blades wore out pre-maturely SEVERAL TIMES! Seemed like I replaced the blade drive assemblies EVERY YEAR. Now the deck is totally worn out. Cost of a new deck makes it easier to purchase an entire new ZT Mower instead.

Jake, have you reviewed any other ZT Mowers using Kohler or Honda engines? I’ve had bad experiences w/ B&S engines in the past. I’m very diligent in my engine maintenance and I’ve found Kohlers and Hondas to perform the best. I currently have a ZT Cub Cadet that I want to replace… the only thing good I can say about it: the Kohler engine has never let me down.

I had a mzt 52 was not impressed at all. B&S28 crank case seal was out before 175 hours and the steering was not at all easy to keep straight. Sold it with less than 200 hours and was lucky I only lost 2000 from purchased price. Tried another mz52 le 25 Kawasaki. Still not impressed. I want anyone interested In commercial mowing to look around and ask questions from users not sales personnel. Again the 180 turn seems to eat the ground beneath the tires and damage yards. I don’t know why they are made to cut so fast. Both Mowers I have and had will only give a satisfactory cut if you go slow. And no need to cut the grass is morning dew wet it will only load up the deck. I wish I would have did a lot of investigating before I spent over 10, 000.00 on these two mowers to learn there was no chance of getting anything close back on my investment. Best of luck choosing your next mower purchase.

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